Event listings are FREE of charge. Send your flyers/info to Scott at scotmckie@ebci-nsn.gov or to Cherokeeonefeather1966@gmail.com
BENEFITS/FUNDRAISERS
Sweetheart Bingo Fundraiser. Feb. 8 at the Yellowhill Activity Center in Cherokee, N.C. Concession opens at 5 p.m., games start at 6 p.m. 15 games for $20 per pack, 5 kids games for $10 per pack. All proceeds will go to travel costs for Savian Davis and Jack Teesateskie to play in the Vegas Madness Tournament of Champions in Las Vegas, Nev. In March.
Valentine’s Dinner Fundraiser. Feb. 14 at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center in Cherokee, N.C. $25 per person, up to 75 people per seating, take-out available. Dinner comes with salad, baked potato, steak, and dessert. Silent auctions will be available throughout the evening. This is a fundraiser for the EBCI Phantoms softball team. Info: Brandy Sequoyah (828) 736-5947 or Elizabeth Arch 736-0918
Senior 2025 Fundraisers at the West Senior Center (formerly Tsali Manor). Info: Annette Craig (828) 226-6703
- March 15. Bingo
- April 14. Basket Raffle
- May 25-31. Silent Auction
EBCI COMMUNITY EVENTS
Beginner Cherokee Language. Now through Feb. 19 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee, N.C. Educator Landon French, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, will lead biweekly Cherokee language lessons for beginners. This offering is free of charge and open to all. Registration is not required: just show up. Participants are encouraged to attend each session, but drop-ins are welcome. Week 3: Jan. 27 and 29, Week 4: Feb. 3 and 5, Week 5: Feb. 10 and 12, and Week 6: Feb. 17 and 19.
“Wolf Wears Shoes: Standing in the Middle with Cherokee Storytelling” book signing and presentation by author. Feb. 4 at the Museum of the Cherokee People (book signing from 3 p.m. 5 p.m. at the Museum Store, lecture at 5:30 p.m. in the TJ Holland Education Room). Western Carolina University’s annual James A. Cooper Memorial Lecture in Cherokee Studies welcomes Christopher B. Teuton, a Cherokee Nation citizen and author of “Wolf Wears Shoes: Standing in the Middle of Cherokee Storytelling”.
Protect the Eastern Hellbender event. Feb. 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Cherokee Choices on 806 Acquoni Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Learn about the Eastern Hellbender and its cultural, ecological, and environmental importance. Craft impactful public comments to include Indigenous voices on the proposed inclusion of the Hellbender on the endangered species list. Free dinner.
Sweetheart Market. Feb. 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Peaches Squirrell Sports & Recreation Complex in Cherokee, N.C. Shopping, food, and fun. Lunch by Melishia. Girl Scout cookies. Info: Denise Walkingstick (828) 508-2211
Surge Celebration – Worship and Word. Feb. 6-8 at 6:30 p.m. and Feb. 9 at 10:45 a.m. at Yellowhill Baptist Church at 297 Yellowhill Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Preaching by Bro. Billy Wayne Arrington and Bro. Jonathan Frady. Singing by Sister Brenda Cannon and various groups. Men’s and Women’s Conference on Feb. 8
“The Truth According to Ember” book discussion and Q&A with author. Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the Museum of the Cherokee People store. Books on the Boundary: A Museum of the Cherokee People Reading Circle will discuss its winter read, “The Trust According to Ember”: A Chickasaw woman who can’t catch a break serves up a little white lie that snowballs into much more in this USA Today bestselling rom-com by critically-acclaimed author Danica Nava, a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation.
Valentine’s Day Open Craft Night. Feb. 12 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Qualla Boundary Public Library in Cherokee, N.C. Food, fun, and more. Hinigoliya participants will receive extra points.
MANNA Foodbank Community Market. Feb. 20 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. (or, until food is gone) at the Wolftown Gym at 27 Long Branch Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. This event is free and open to all community members. Stop by for free grocery staples, produce, and other perishables from MANNA Foodbank. Info: (828) 359-6930, chumwalk@ebci-nsn.gov
EBCI COMMUNITY REGULAR MEETINGS
Cherokee Storytellers meet the fourth Tuesday of every month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ray Kinsland Leadership building in Cherokee, N.C. All ages are welcome. The group shares stories and resources.
Cherokee storytelling and Cherokee history in the Snowbird Community Library at 60 Snowbird School Rd. in Robbinsville, N.C., every fourth Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. All ages are welcome.
NAIA Daughters meetings. Each meeting is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Qualla Java in Cherokee, N.C. Meetings are scheduled for Jan. 19, Feb. 16, March 20, April 16, and May 18.
Cherokee History & Stories. January through June 2025 on the first Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. in the TJ Holland Education Room at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee, N.C. Museum of the Cherokee People welcomes storyteller and historian Kathi Littlejohn, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, for Cherokee History & Stories. This free educational series will explore culturally significant places, stories, and key figures in Cherokee history. All are welcome to listen and learn; no registration is required.
TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETINGS
(All meetings are held in the Cherokee Tribal Council House in Cherokee, N.C. unless otherwise noted.)
Reports to Council. Feb. 5 at 9 a.m.
Work Session on Sovereign Immunity. Feb. 5 at 1 p.m.
Tribal Council regular session. Feb. 6 at 8:30 a.m.
Enrollment Committee. Feb. 7 at 9 a.m.
Community Services Committee. Feb. 10 at 9 a.m.
Lands Acquisition Committee. Feb. 10 at 1 p.m.
HIP Committee. Feb. 12 at 8:30 a.m.
Parks & Rec. Committee. Feb. 13 at 1 p.m.
Roads Commission. Feb. 18 at 9 a.m.
Timber Committee. Feb. 18 at 10:30 a.m.
Planning Board. Feb. 18 at 1 p.m.
Health Board. Feb. 19 at 8:30 a.m.
Election Services Presentation. Feb. 19 at 1 p.m.
Qualla Housing Committee. Feb. 20 at 8:30 a.m.
Constitution Convention. Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.
HEALTH & SPORTS EVENTS
Power Princess Afterschool Boxing Program. Starts Feb. 10 and will be held Mondays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Ages 10-14 girls. Info: Keahana Lambert (828) 359-6193, keahlamb@ebci-nsn.gov
Women’s Boxing Program. Starts Feb. 10. Mondays from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Info: Keahana Lambert at keahlamb@ebci-nsn.gov
3-v-3 Co-Ed Basketball Valentine’s Day Tournament. Feb. 12 at the Pam Taylor Gym in Cherokee, N.C. Must be 18-years-old or older to play. Sign-ups start at 4:30 p.m., games start at 5 p.m. Entry fee is $20 per team. 5-man roster. There needs to be one female on the court at all times.
Big Y 40+ Basketball League. Will be played on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Big Y Gym in Cherokee, N.C. Registration is open until Feb. 26. Fee is $40. 40+ and over league for men and women; games will be played 3-on-3 half court with 12-minute halves. Maximum of six on a roster. There will be a maximum of six men’s and six women’s teams. Info: Ben Bradley (828) 507-3392, benjbrad@ebci-nsn.gov
St. Patrick’s Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament. March 16 at the Pam Taylor Gym in Cherokee, N.C. Must be 18-years-old or older. 8-person roster, must be two males on the court at all times. Looking for the first six teams. Sign-ups start at 12 p.m., games start at 12:45 p.m.
3-v-3 Co-Ed Easter Basketball Tournament. April 6 at the Pam Taylor Gym in Cherokee, N.C. Sign-ups start at 12 p.m., games start at 12:30 p.m. 5-person roster. Entry fee per team is $20. Ages 14-16.
POW WOW LISTINGS
Seminole Tribal Fair and Pow Wow. Jan. 31 – Feb. 1 at the Seminole Hard Rock Event Center in Hollywood, Fla. Emcees: Juaquin Hamilton and Ruben Little Head. Info: 1-800-683-7800 ext. 11468; Wanda Bowers (954) 444-9827, or Eugenia Osceola (954) 594-2992
Home of Our Ancestors Pow Wow. Jan. 25 at Saddleback High School in Santa Ana, Calif. MC: Walter Ahhaitty. Host Drums: Shakey Town, Wildhorse. Info: (657) 554-6100
MMIP Central Oklahoma 3rd Annual Benefit Gourd Dance. Jan. 25 at the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Chena Building in Tryon, Okla. MC: Coy McLemore. Head Singer: Jake Chappell. Info: (405) 481-4089, mmip.coc@gmail.com
14th Annual Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirit Pow Wow. Feb. 1 at the Fort Mason Festival Pavillion in San Francisco, Calif. Info: https://www.baaits.org/ or email to: admin@baaits.org
Catawba Pow Wow. Feb. 7-9 at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds in Shelby, N.C. Emcees: JD Moore and Maya Littleturtle. Host Drums: War Paint, Southern Eagle. Info: No contact information provided
Spirit of Nations Pow Wow. March 29 at Jefferson County High School in Dandridge, Tenn. Info: www.indiancreekproductions.com
SUPPORT GROUPS
Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Analenisgi. Info: www.AAwnc80.com
Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Baptist Church at 812 Tsalagi Road, in Cherokee, N.C. This is a Christ-centered recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, hang-ups, and habits of any kind. All are welcome. Info: Chris McMillan (828) 788-5410
Cherokee Cancer Support Group, potluck dinner with a speaker the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Betty’s Place, 40 Goose Creek Rd, Cherokee, N.C. Anyone is welcome to attend the potluck. The group provides educational and emotional support to clients and families of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members with cancer. The group can provide financial assistance for fuel, lodging, and transportation and also can assist with mastectomy items, nutritional supplements, wigs, and related products. The group can volunteer to take a client to their appointment if it is requested in a timely manner. Betty’s Place is open Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (828) 497-0788
Life Recovery is a Bible-based 12-step small group meeting held Mondays from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. held in the Rivercane Conference Room at Analenisgi. All material is provided. This small group is for anyone struggling in life with addiction, food, depression, anxiety, relationships, or spiritual struggles. Info: Deb Conseen-Bradley at kellideb@gmail.com or Scott Hill (828) 508-7836
Life@WesternCarolina. each Wednesday morning during the academic school year the Life@ group meets on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. For those over the age of 50 and looking for ways to engage with the community. To learn more or register visit life.wcu.edu or contact Western Carolina University Educational Outreach (828) 227-7397.
MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous) meets Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Rivercane Room at Analenisgi. Info: Analenisgi (828) 497-9163 or visit: https://cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi
WESTERN N.C. & BEYOND EVENTS
Rick Childers to share debut novel. Jan. 31 at 6 p.m. at City Lights Bookstore at 3 E. Jackson St. in Sylva, N.C. He will share “Turkeyfoot”.
Women & War exhibit. Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. at the HART Theatre at 250 Pigeon St. in Waynesville, N.C. This is a powerful collection of monologues and vignettes that share the voices of women across different generations, revealing their personal experiences of love, loss, courage, and resilience during times of war. Tickets: $23 for adults, $13 for students. Info: (828) 456-6322, visit harttheatre.org
22nd Annual Maple Syrup Festival. Feb. 8 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site at 2620 South Roan St. in Johnson City, Tenn. See how sap is extracted from the maple trees located throughout the grounds of the site and then watch as the sap is boiled down over a wood fired furnace until it becomes the rich, flavorful maple syrup. Admission is $6/adults and $3/children under 12, and children 3-and-under are free. Admission with breakfast is $10/adults and $5/children. Tipton-Haynes members are free. Info: (423) 926-3631 or email tiptonhaynes@outlook.com.
Introduction to Digital Art. Feb. 8 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Stecoah Valley Center at 121 Schoolhouse Rd. in Robbinsville, N.C. Kevin Tafoya, Qualla Arts & Crafts artist, will teach the class. Tuition is $20. Sign up by Feb. 6 at www.stecoahvalleycenter.com/classes. Info: (828) 479-3364, jennifer@stecoahvalleycenter.com
Book Signing with area author Brenda Larson. Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. at City Lights Bookstore at 3 E. Jackson St. in Sylva, N.C. This is a meet-and-greet and book signing for her debut novel, “Beach Blast” which is described as follows: “When Carol Jackson planned a romantic trip for her second wedding anniversary, it wasn’t to celebrate. It was a desperate attempt to save the marriage. But, when the body of a murdered man washes up at Carol’s feet, her hopes for rekindled love are swept into chaos as she becomes embroiled in a major criminal case.”
Georgia History Festival’s Super Museum Sunday. Feb. 9 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chief Vann House Georgia State Historic Site at 82 Hwy 225N in Chatsworth, Ga. Admission is waived and everyone can tour the historic Cherokee plantation home, Vann Kitchen/Workhouse Cabin, 1800s Cherokee Farmstead cabins, and the Visitor Center with a 15-minute film. Info: (706) 695-2598, vann_house_park@dnr.ga.gov
Swain County Democratic Party hybrid in-person/remote meeting. Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. at the United Community Bank at 145 Slope St. in Bryson City, N.C. Discussions will include community events and planning future activities. All are welcome. Info: (828) 341-6348, email to SwainCountyDems@gmail.com, or visit swaincountydems.com
Ballet Hispanico. Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bardo Arts Center Performance Hall on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. Info and tickets: arts.wcu.edu/ballet-hispanico, arts.wcu.edu/tickets
Solstice: A Winter Circus Experience. Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bardo Arts Center Performance Hall on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. Info and tickets: arts.wcu.edu/solstice, arts.wcu.edu/tickets
Archaeology Day. April 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chief Vann House Georgia State Historic Site at 82 Hwy 225N in Chatsworth, Ga. See tools of an archaeologist, artifacts from the Vann’s era, participate in a “digging” activity, and enjoy other archaeology-themed activities. No archaeological digging on this day. Info: (706) 695-2598, vann_house_park@dnr.ga.gov
Vann House Day. July 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chief Vann House Georgia State Historic Site at 82 Hwy 225N in Chatsworth, Ga. Demonstrations and activities like that of an 1800s farming family. Local craftspeople will demonstrate 19th century skills such as blacksmithing, quilting, weaving, blow guns, and more. The Vann Mansion, Cherokee Farmstead, Vann Kitchen, and Museum will be open for self-guided tours. Enjoy live fiddle music. Info: (706) 695-2598, vann_house_park@dnr.ga.gov